Tuesday, April 9, 2002

Bromsgrove Rovers strolled to a 3-0 victory over improving Oldbury United at The Victoria Ground last night to maintain their Midland Alliance title hopes.

Managed by ex-Rovers boss Bob Green, Oldbury were quicker to the loose ball in midfield during the first 30 minutes.

They restricted the home team to a repetitive long ball game that only led to one chance, Sam Bowen chipping both 'keeper Ross Bates and crossbar on 15 minutes.

The home team took the lead on 33 minutes, with their first attack that played round, rather than through, the Oldbury defence.

Mark Crisp and Grant Beckett combined in midfield, before finding Les Palmer in space on the left, who cut inside and crossed to the far post for Bowen to head home.

This inspired the Greens. Jon Ford had a stinging shot blocked by Steve Moore and Paul Lloyd saw two corners cleared off the line before Bromsgrove doubled their advantage on the stroke of half time.

Beckett's right wing corner was headed goalward by Palmer and took a deflection before beating Bates.

There was one caution for each side in the first period, Brendan McCarthy for a clumsy challenge on Steve Pope and Pope for Bromsgrove when he stopped a challenging run by Nathan Harvey.

Bromsgrove controlled the second period, Oldbury restricted to long-range efforts from former Rovers striker Richard Ball and McCarthy.

Bates saved from Palmer and Crisp, before Rovers completing the scoring five minutes from time.

Beckett's corner was cleared as far as Lloyd who spotted Bates off his line from 25 yards out and beautifully chipped the ball over the Oldbury 'keeper and into the unguarded net.

Bromsgrove: Lowe, Lloyd, Crisp, Clifton, Ford, Pope, Frost, Bowen, Palmer, Coppin (Young 88), Beckett. Subs not used: Brookes, Hackett. Attendance: 517.